The 2018 Lasker Essay Contest is now open
The Lasker Essay Contest engages young scientists and clinicians in a discussion about big questions in biology and medicine, and the role of biomedical research in our society today. The Contest aims to build skills in communicating important medical and scientific issues to broader audiences. The Essay Contest topics are announced annually no later than the second week of February and can be found on this webpage.
The topic of the 2018 Essay Contest is: How can social media help build trust in science and the research enterprise? Your answer should include a discussion of the benefits and challenges of your recommendations.
The deadline to submit all materials is March 30, 2018. Submit here: http://www.laskerfoundation.org/programs/lasker-foundation-essay-contest/essay-contest/?edit&language=en-us Winners will be announced in early July on our web site.
Eligibility
The Contest is open to medical school students, interns, residents, and fellows; doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows in biomedical research; graduate students in public health programs; and graduate students in other health professions programs. The 2018 Essay Contest is open to both US and international applicants, including those from programs outside the US.
Prizes
First-place award is $10,000 and an expense-paid trip (economy class travel and one-night hotel stay) to New York City to meet the 2018 Lasker Award winners (on September 21, 2018). Second- and third-place prizes are $5000 and $2500, respectively. All monetary prizes are to be used towards educational expenses.
Guidelines
Essays should be of 800 words or less and must be written in English. The file containing the essay should include the essay title and the applicant's name, email, and institutional affiliation. Figures and references are not required but one image (uploaded separately) and up to 10 references (included within the text body) may be submitted. Specific examples from the world of biomedical research should be included in your essay to illustrate your ideas more effectively. Field-specific scientific jargon should be avoided or explained.
Evaluation criteria
Essays will be evaluated based on 1) the innovation of the ideas and proposals and 2) how well these ideas are conveyed, i.e. the quality of writing, style, and clarity. Essays that are not written in English or are longer than 800 words will not be considered.